Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Min (Imp)

Description

The Mexican Hairless dog come in three sizes, all descending from the standard size which originated it is thought from the Colima dog of Western Mexico.

Its name (pronounced sholo-its-quintli) means dog of the god Xolotl who was the Aztec god of deformed things, and the hairless body qualified the breed for that description. Sadly the early function of the breed was as a source of food without hair and therefore ‘oven ready’: a sad thought. However, in direct contrast to their nomenclature, the breed also has a coated variety which is more rarely seen.

It has long been thought that the breed has curative powers: it was known as a healing dog thought to help with asthma, rheumatism and migraines, and with its hot skin providing comfort against the cold.

The breed first appeared as a curiosity in dog shows in America in 1883 but remained rarely seen until the 1980s. In the 21st Century it has gained a following as a show dog in most European countries as well as in America.

Breed Group

Utility

Vulnerable Native Breed

No

Size

Small

How much exercise?

Up to 1 hour per day

Length of coat

Short

How much grooming?

Once a week

Supposedly sheds? *

No

Town or Country

Either

Type of home

Flat

Minimum Garden Size

None

Lifespan

Over 10 Years

* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.

The
Utility Breed Group

This group consists of miscellaneous breeds of dog mainly of a non-sporting origin, including the Bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita and Poodle.

The name ‘Utility’ essentially means fitness for a purpose and this group consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch, most breeds having been selectively bred to perform a specific function not included in the sporting and working categories. Some of the breeds listed in the group are the oldest documented breeds of dog in the world.